Virtual Reality (VR) is an interactive multisensory experience taking place within a representation of a three dimensional environment, constructed by 3D computer graphics, affording free navigation and interaction with environmental elements and with its content. Panoramic video narratives may afford immersive experiences but are definitely not VR. Currently, we are going through the second wave of VR technology, due to the evolution of: real-time interactive 3D graphics technologies, VR authoring tools, I/O devices for 3d GUIs and most of all high quality but affordable Head Mounted Displays. The acquisition of Oculus Rift by Facebook signalled the possibility of the convergence of the social web with immersive multi-user systems. This may suggest the realisation of CYBERSPACE (as Gibson envisioned it when he coined the term). However, even though more than 25 years have passed since the beginning of the 1st wave of VR technology, some issues have not yet been adequately understood and resolved by VR researchers and experience creators. We are still in need of achieving a deeper understanding of the intrinsic nature of VR as a medium. Towards this end, creative experimentation with the process of creating content for virtual environments is essential.
Dimitris Charitos (1965) is an Assιstant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens where he teaches human-machine communication, interactive design, digital art and visual communication. He studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens, and C.A.A.D. at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow).
He holds a PhD in interactive and virtual environments design. As a researcher or coordinator, he has participated in more than 15 research projects (funded by Greek and European programs) on the subjects of virtual reality, interactive design, locative media, mediated/hybrid cities, digital art. He has more than 90 publications in books, journals and conference proceedings. Since 1983, his artistic practice includes electronic music (1983-1993), audiovisual and interactive installations and virtual environments (1997-to the present). He has participated in 15 exhibitions in Greece, the UK and Cyprus.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
